Hudson County Chamber CEO Warns Businesses to Prepare for Economic Instability

Jersey City, NJ – The President and CEO of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, Emory, is urging local businesses and nonprofits to prepare for potential economic instability as federal policies shift.

“If there is anything that I have learned in my career, businesses and nonprofits appreciate some level of stability and predictability when planning,” Emory said in a message to Chamber members. “Many of our members are not only curious but fearful of changes coming out of the federal government.”

Emory noted that New Jersey receives $22.5 billion in federal revenue and warned that reductions in funding could impact state and municipal budgets. “Government is Hudson County’s third-largest industry, with 41,100 jobs,” he said. “Our landlords, hospitality, and retail partners may especially feel the pinch.”

Emory also highlighted concerns about potential shifts in immigration policy, stating that 42.5% of Hudson County’s population was born outside the U.S., compared to the national average of 13.6%. “Immigration is good for business, and many of our businesses and institutions of higher education rely on immigration as part of their business models,” he said.

The Chamber outlined several steps businesses should take to prepare, including auditing revenue streams, planning for financial downturns, evaluating supply chains, and remaining flexible in response to policy changes. “The time is now to plan; ‘wait and see’ is not a good strategy,” Emory said.

Emory encouraged business owners to work together and utilize Chamber resources. “Now is the time to engage, not to fret,” he said. “Meet with other members who are confronting the same challenges, support one another, and pull together as one community. The Hudson Chamber is here to help.”